What is Stroud Valleys Credit Union?

Stroud Valleys Credit Union is a community organisation that offers a range of financial services to people living or working in the Stroud District or Tetbury areas.

It is locally based and ethically run.

It offers an affordable way to borrow money, as well as a safe and secure place to save it.

What makes Stroud Valleys Credit Union special? Plenty of things!

Mutual ownership. Our members own and control the credit union. There are no outside shareholders. Any surplus money is redistributed among members or put back into the credit union.

Community based. Members pool their savings, so that they and others can borrow from it at times of need. The borrowed money stays within the community and so helps the local economy. Loans to members can mean income for local businesses and shops.

Not for profit. At Stroud Valleys Credit Union we work alongside each other to serve our members and the local community. We are wholly run by volunteers. We also run ‘Manage your money’ courses – free of charge.

Flexible saving. Stroud Valleys Credit Union helps you save whatever you can, whenever you can. You can save as little as £1 a month. All members’ savings are guaranteed by the government’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Fair borrowing. Low interest loans are available to members who can show that they can afford the repayments. Stroud Valleys Credit Union does not lend in order to get you into further debt.

A sustainable financial model. By focusing on both saving and borrowing we encourage people to take charge of their own finances. We only lend to members, who we encourage to save regularly alongside repaying any loan that they may have.

Professional. Stroud Valleys Credit Union is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme and complies with the Credit Union Act 1979. Our accounts are audited annually by a qualified auditor and insured against fraud and theft.

“I find it’s a nice easy way to save, and I am always made to feel very welcome.”
Peter (Stroud)

“I love it. It helps me avoid using credit cards. I know that at the end of the year I’ll have paid off my loan.”
Julie (Stroud)